Skjoldnæs Lighthouse
Denmark's most elegant lighthouse crowns Ærø's northwestern shore with 140 years of maritime heritage and starlit views.
Perched on Ærø's northwestern coast, Skjoldnæs Lighthouse is a striking 22-metre granite tower built in 1881 by Swedish stone-masons. This beautifully preserved beacon stands as one of Denmark's most elegant lighthouses, offering panoramic views across the Baltic Sea, the Little Belt, and the South Funen Archipelago from its top. Open around the clock for a modest fee, it transforms into a favored stargazing destination after dark, while the adjacent Queen's Cavern adds mythical intrigue to the seaside setting.
A brief summary to Skjoldnaes Lighthouse
- Skjolnæs Fyr, Skjoldnæsvej, Søby, 5985, DK
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit after dark for exceptional stargazing. The minimal light pollution and elevated vantage point create ideal conditions for observing the night sky. Remember to switch on the light manually inside the front door.
- Combine your visit with the Queen's Cavern legend walk. The path from the parking area descends to the beach and the cavern, adding mythical context to your coastal exploration.
- Choose clear weather for the summit visit to maximize the panoramic views across the Baltic Sea, Little Belt, and South Funen Archipelago—visibility can reach as far as the German coast.
- If you're a golfer, explore Ærø Golf Club's seaside links course nearby. The old lighthouse master's residence now serves as the clubhouse, creating a unique blend of heritage and sport.
- Bring a camera for architectural detail shots. The finely cut Bornholm granite and the lighthouse's elegant proportions photograph beautifully in both daylight and golden hour.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Parking Areas
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Ferry and Car
From mainland Denmark, take the Ærøskøbing-Søby ferry (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes from Fåborg on Funen). Upon arrival in Søby, drive north through the village of Haven toward Skjoldnæsvej. The lighthouse is located at Skjoldnæsvej 8, approximately 5 kilometres north of Søby town centre. Parking is available at the lighthouse site. Ferry tickets cost approximately 50–70 DKK per person (return), with vehicle transport available at additional cost.
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Bicycle from Søby
Rent a bicycle in Søby (available at local rental shops, typically 80–150 DKK per day) and cycle north through Haven toward Skjoldnæsvej. The route is relatively flat and takes approximately 20–25 minutes. This is a popular option for visitors exploring Ærø's coastal landscape and allows flexible pacing to enjoy the scenery.
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Taxi or Local Transport
Arrange a taxi from Søby harbour or town centre (approximately 10–15 minutes, typically 150–250 DKK). Local transport options may be limited outside peak season; booking in advance is recommended. This option suits visitors with limited mobility or those preferring direct transport.
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Walking from Søby
A scenic walking route from Søby town centre to Skjoldnæs Lighthouse covers approximately 5 kilometres and takes 60–75 minutes. The terrain is generally flat, following coastal paths and minor roads. This option is suitable for those seeking an immersive experience of Ærø's landscape but requires reasonable fitness and appropriate footwear.
Skjoldnaes Lighthouse location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
Discover more about Skjoldnaes Lighthouse
A Monument to 19th-Century Craftsmanship
Skjoldnæs Lighthouse stands as a testament to the skill of Swedish stone-masons who constructed it in 1881. Built from finely cut Bornholm granite, the lighthouse rises 22 metres above sea level and remains one of Denmark's most architecturally distinguished beacons. The precision of its construction—evident in every fitted stone—reflects the craftsmanship standards of the era. Remarkably, descendants of the original Swedish builders still reside on Ærø, maintaining a tangible connection to the lighthouse's heritage. The structure's elegant proportions and quality materials have allowed it to endure for over 140 years, guiding mariners safely through these strategic waters.Commanding Views Across Three Waters
From the lighthouse's summit, visitors encounter one of Denmark's most expansive maritime vistas. On clear days, the panorama encompasses the Baltic Sea to the east, the Little Belt to the north, and the scattered islands of the South Funen Archipelago spreading across the horizon. The view extends far enough to reach the German coast, while closer perspectives reveal the neighbouring islands of Als, Lyø, and Bjørnø. This commanding position explains the lighthouse's original purpose: established by the Royal Danish Mail to guide mail boats crossing the Lille Bælt, it served as a vital navigational aid for centuries. Today, that same elevated perspective offers visitors an unparalleled sense of place and geography.Access and Nocturnal Magic
Unlike many heritage lighthouses that restrict access, Skjoldnæs welcomes visitors around the clock for a modest admission fee. The lighthouse's accessibility makes it a unique attraction—visitors can climb to the top at any hour, day or night. After dark, the experience transforms entirely. The tower becomes a favored stargazing spot, where the minimal light pollution of rural Ærø reveals the night sky in its full glory. A practical note for evening visitors: the light must be switched on manually from inside the lighthouse's front door, adding an interactive element to the nocturnal experience.The Legend of the Queen's Cavern
Adjacent to the lighthouse lies The Queen's Cavern, a hollow in the landscape steeped in medieval legend. According to local tradition, a son of King Ure married the daughter of the king of Lyø. Following their festive wedding, the young couple set sail from Ærø, only to be caught in an autumn storm. Their ship sank in the turbulent waters, and the young queen's body washed ashore at the Skjoldnæs headland, which was then forested. She was buried at this spot, giving rise to the cavern's evocative name. The legend connects the lighthouse to deeper layers of Ærø's history, blending maritime danger with romantic tragedy.Gateway to Ærø Golf and Coastal Recreation
The lighthouse's surroundings have evolved to embrace modern leisure. The old residence of the lighthouse master now serves as the clubhouse for Ærø Golf Club, and one of Europe's most beautiful seaside links courses has been developed in the area around the lighthouse. This transformation reflects how heritage sites can coexist with contemporary recreation. A parking area near the lighthouse provides convenient access, and from there, a path descends to the beach, offering walkers direct access to the coastal landscape and the Queen's Cavern. The combination of historical significance, natural beauty, and recreational facilities makes Skjoldnæs a multifaceted destination.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bregninge Kirke
10.6 km
Medieval island church on a gentle Ærø hillside, where whitewashed stone, quiet fields and seafaring stories meet in a calm, contemplative setting.
Forladt skorsten
12.5 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Hotel Ærøhus
15.7 km
Historic hotel in the heart of Ærøskøbing known for its authentic Danish charm, lush gardens, and local island cuisine—a perfect base for exploring Ærø.
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
15.7 km
Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.
Ærøfærgerne
15.7 km
Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Ærø Turist & Erhverv
15.8 km
Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Danish Island Weddings
15.9 km
Experience the magic of weddings on the enchanting Danish island of Ærø, where love meets scenic beauty and unforgettable memories are made.
På Torvet
15.9 km
Experience the unique charm of På Torvet in Ærøskøbing, where historic beauty meets modern comfort in the heart of Denmark.
Andelen Guesthouse
16.0 km
Discover the charm of Ærøskøbing at Andelen Guesthouse, your cozy retreat in the heart of Denmark's picturesque island.
Rise Kirke
17.8 km
A quietly beautiful 12th‑century countryside church on Ærø, where whitewashed walls, historic graves and open fields tell the island’s rural and seafaring story.
Monument for Danske Sømænd
23.8 km
A modest harbourfront memorial in Marstal that quietly honours generations of Danish sailors who left this island port and never returned from the sea.
Gedenkstein für hingerichtete Widerstandskämpfer
27.0 km
Discreet harborfront memorial in Sønderborg honoring eleven young German sailors executed for mutiny in 1945, inviting quiet reflection on conscience and war.
Sønderborg Kommunale Kommandocentral
27.1 km
Hidden beneath Kongevej lies Sønderborg’s former Cold War nerve center, an underground command bunker built to keep the city running in times of crisis.
Deutsches Museum Nordschleswig
27.2 km
Vibrant Copenhagen bridge and urban gathering spot linking Nørrebro to the city center, beloved for its scenic lake views, lively atmosphere, and social buzz.
Danmarks Forsorgsmuseum
27.3 km
Explore Denmark's social welfare history at Danmarks Forsorgsmuseum in Svendborg, the best-preserved poorhouse in the Nordic countries, offering a poignant journey into the lives of the marginalized.
Unmissable attractions to see
Ærø Golf Klub
0.0 km
Wind-shaped seaside golf wrapped around a working lighthouse at the northern tip of Ærø, with sea views from every hole and a cosy clubhouse in the old keeper’s house.
Jørbæk Strand
3.8 km
A tranquil Baltic beach with picnic facilities and authentic island charm on Ærø's quieter southern shore.
Fyrtårn vestmole
4.4 km
Walk across the seabed to encounter 3,000 seals on Denmark's most dynamic tidal landscape.
Fyrtårn østmole
4.4 km
A small harbour lighthouse on Ærøskøbing’s eastern mole, Fyrtårn Østmole adds quiet maritime character and wide sea views to this fairytale Danish island port.
Ærø Museum
7.3 km
Step into Ærø’s past inside a 1775 bailiff’s house, where island history, quirky traditions and a time‑capsule garden unfold in the heart of Ærøskøbing.
Søbygård
7.3 km
Ærø’s last ducal manor, where moats, manor rooms and a geopark centre bring island history, geology and gentle countryside adventures together in one stop.
Lyø
8.8 km
Small, green and gently shaped by sea and history, Lyø is a tranquil South Funen island where half-timbered villages, soft hills and bird‑rich coasts invite slow exploration.
The bell stone
10.0 km
Prehistoric dolmen on a hilltop grove, where a resonant capstone, sweeping sea views and island folklore turn an ancient burial site into a quietly magical stop.
Bjørnø
10.9 km
Tiny, car‑free Bjørnø blends hilly Ice Age landscapes, rich birdlife and easy shoreline walks into one tranquil South Funen island escape.
Hafenbune Mommark
11.0 km
A small harbour world on Als’ east coast, where working boats, a sandy beach and seaside grills gather around a quiet Baltic marina marker.
Fine , die Fischmagd
11.2 km
A quiet coastal waypoint on Als where the simple life of a fish maid meets the far‑reaching consequences of the 1864 war in a contemplative rural setting.
Mommark Marina
11.2 km
A restored maritime gem where working fishermen, award-winning cuisine, and Blue Flag beaches meet scenic Danish coastline.
Hans, der Fischer
11.2 km
A humble fisherman figure on a quiet Sydals lane, Hans, der Fischer captures the spirit of Als’ coastal heritage in a single, characterful roadside stop.
Voderup Klint
14.1 km
Terraced coastal cliffs where Ice Age geology, open sea views and tranquil island farmland meet in one of Ærø’s most distinctive natural landscapes.
Faaborg Clock Tower
14.1 km
Freestanding medieval bell tower and symbol of Faaborg, offering narrow-stair climbs, chiming bells and wide views over the town and South Funen coast.
Essential places to dine
Crêperie Ærø
4.6 km
Authentic French crêpes in a serene Danish island harbor village.
Avernakø Havnecafé
8.3 km
Sunlit harbour café on tiny Avernakø, serving local, seasonal dishes and seaside views just steps from the ferry and marina in the South Funen Archipelago.
Lyø Havnegrill
9.4 km
Casual harbourfront grill on tiny Lyø, serving burgers, chicken and classic Danish comfort food with sea views, salty air and a relaxed South Funen island vibe.
Restaurant Klinten
13.5 km
Waterfront Danish dining on Faaborg Fjord, blending fresh seafood, local produce and wide-open views of the South Funen archipelago in a relaxed, modern setting.
Vindeballe Kro
14.4 km
Historic yellow island inn from 1888 in Ærø’s quiet countryside, serving hearty Danish cuisine and offering simple, characterful rooms for slow travelers.
Havnegrillen Ærøskøbing YST
15.7 km
Honest harbor grill where ferries meet food, and Danish classics taste best by the sea.
Kraut & Koala
15.8 km
Intimate harbourfront restaurant and wine bar in Ærøskøbing, marrying seasonal island produce with thoughtful European flavours in a warm, candlelit setting.
Landbogården
15.8 km
Ærø's oldest restaurant since 1919, where homemade Danish cuisine meets warm island hospitality.
Bang’s Mad & Vinbar
15.8 km
Intimate Nordic wine bar serving seasonal small plates in charming Ærøskøbing.
Den Hemmelige Café
15.8 km
A cosy “secret” café hidden behind a shopfront in fairytale Ærøskøbing, serving quality coffee, home-baked cakes and light lunches wrapped in pure Danish hygge.
Ærøskøbing Røgeri
15.8 km
Ærø's iconic harbor smokehouse serving freshly prepared smoked fish in a relaxed waterfront setting.
Restaurant MUMM
15.9 km
Candlelit steaks, fresh Ærø fish and thoughtful vegetarian dishes served in a cosy, long-loved dining room on cobbled Søndergade in the heart of Ærøskøbing.
Arnfeldt Hotel & Restaurant
15.9 km
Small, design‑driven island hotel and ambitious restaurant in the cobbled heart of Ærøskøbing, where fairytale streets meet inventive Nordic cooking.
Hotel The Monica
15.9 km
Experience personalized luxury and island charm at Hotel The Monica in Ærøskøbing.
Cafe På Torvet
15.9 km
Island hospitality and local flavors in Ærøskøbing's beloved main square café.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Herremark
6.7 km
A charming farm shop in a white Ærø cottage, where curated vintage finds, handmade crafts and natural products capture the quiet beauty of island life.
Honninghuset
9.1 km
A cosy countryside honey house on Ærø, where local beekeeping, small-scale farm products and rural calm come together just beyond historic Ærøskøbing.
Denmark's Smallest Gallery
9.5 km
A tiny, characterful art space in the heart of Ærøskøbing, where intimate paintings and island light turn a single small room into a memorable creative stop.
Handweaving & more
10.4 km
A cosy island weaving studio near Ærøskøbing, where handloom textiles, natural fibres and Ærø-inspired colours come together in small-batch garments and scarves.
Ærø Soap Company
10.4 km
Handmade organic soaps crafted from island-grown herbs in a working workshop where visitors observe the ancient craft of soap-making.
Ærø Gårdbutik Uldgården
10.8 km
Rustic island farm shop in Bregninge, where soft wool, natural textiles and sturdy outdoor clothing fill old stables and a hayloft in the heart of Ærø.
Uldgaarden gårdbutik
10.8 km
Artisanal wool shop in a converted barn, celebrating Danish fiber craftsmanship and island heritage.
Bregninge Store Kro
11.5 km
Antique-filled country kro in the village of Øster Bregninge, where island history, rustic objects and rural Ærø atmosphere meet under one creaking roof.
Bjarne Folmer Vikings Mini Market
14.7 km
Characterful village mini market on Ærø, blending historic købmands charm with modern groceries and a notably large wine and spirits selection.
Neli Garnet
15.6 km
Award-winning destination wedding photographer capturing love stories on Ærø island and beyond.
Butik Stokrosen
15.7 km
Small, characterful shoe boutique in Ærøskøbing’s storybook streets, pairing practical island footwear with quietly elegant Scandinavian style.
Valk Inter Collection
15.7 km
Intimate Ærøskøbing jewelry studio and gift shop crafting refined, personal pieces in gold and silver amid the cobbled charm of historic Vestergade.
Søstærk Print & Papir
15.7 km
A tiny Ærøskøbing shop devoted to hand-printed stationery, fine pens and the quiet pleasure of handwritten letters and traditional craftsmanship.
Fabrek Pop Up
15.8 km
A small harbourfront pop-up in Ærøskøbing, blending Scandinavian design, cozy homeware and thoughtful gifts in a calm, contemporary setting by the sea.
Ærø Glaskunst
15.8 km
Handmade glass art, island-inspired design and a cozy café nook, all tucked into a historic street in the heart of fairytale Ærøskøbing.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Rådhuskælderen
5.2 km
Cosy cellar bar in Søby’s former town hall, offering simple drinks, local atmosphere and a low‑key glimpse of everyday life on the island of Ærø.
Arrebo
15.7 km
Island pub where locals and visitors gather for live music, cold drinks, and authentic Ærø atmosphere.
Kompasset
21.8 km
Cozy village bar on South Funen offering Danish hygge, local drinks, and an authentic small-town atmosphere along the main road through Vester Skerninge.
Marstal cafe Den Glade Gris
23.4 km
Cozy island bar in Marstal where locals and visitors share beers, stories and a relaxed slice of Ærø everyday life.
Skipperkroen
23.6 km
Cosy skipper’s bar in central Marstal, serving inexpensive drinks and simple fare in a relaxed, maritime small‑town atmosphere close to the harbour.
Foley's Pub
23.7 km
Marstal's maritime pub where live music, local brews, and seafaring tales create authentic island nightlife.
BALLAST BAR BUTIK
23.7 km
Cozy harborfront cocktail bar and woolly boutique in Marstal’s old ferry waiting room, blending inventive drinks, Nordic knitwear and intimate island atmosphere.
Bar & Café MF Egeskov
24.0 km
Cozy harborfront bar and café on Marstal’s working quay, blending maritime atmosphere, dockside views, and relaxed drinks in the spirit of Ærø’s seafaring life.
Skrumpklunk Institute
25.8 km
An unfussy neighbourhood bar with a quirky name, Skrumpklunk Institute offers laid-back drinks, local colour and easygoing evenings in everyday Svendborg.
Posthuset
26.0 km
Historic post office transformed into Sønderborg's beloved social hub for drinks, conversation, and Danish nightlife.
Tingvalla 2013 ApS
26.9 km
Electric nightlife and quality drinks in the heart of Svendborg's vibrant social scene.
Værtshus Chr. Iv
27.0 km
Classic brown beer hall on Sønderborg’s main street, serving simple drinks, local atmosphere and everyday Danish hygge from late morning into the evening.
Restaurant Viking - Pool and billiards Sønderborg
27.1 km
Authentic Danish neighborhood pub where locals gather for affordable drinks, billiards, and genuine community atmosphere.
tøsingen ivs
27.3 km
Discover Tøsingen IVS, Svendborg's cozy bar offering a diverse selection of drinks in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
HANSTED
27.3 km
Cozy neighborhood bar and intimate live stage bringing late-night music, craft drinks, and local Svendborg atmosphere together on lively Vestergade.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
- Stargazing
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly